Homeownership Alliance Elects Camden Fine as New Chairman

Washington, D.C. (July 6, 2005) - Camden R. Fine was elected by the Homeownership Alliance as its new Chairman at the organization's annual Board Meeting. Fine is the president and CEO of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA). He will lead the organization as it continues its work to increase homeownership opportunities across the nation.

Fine expressed his pleasure to serve as the new chairman of the Homeownership Alliance. "In a time of great optimism for the future of homeownership, I am pleased to be chosen as chairman of the Homeownership Alliance. While the homeownership rate has never been higher, we still must work to address affordability issues and to increase minority homeownership across the nation," said Fine.

"I have been honored to serve as chairman of the Homeownership Alliance, and I wish the Alliance and all its members continued success. Cam Fine will do an excellent job leading the organization as it works to ensure the future of the American housing system," said outgoing chairman Terry McDermott.

Founded in 2001, the Homeownership Alliance is dedicated to protecting the world's greatest homeownership system for America's families and their children.

The Board selected Fine during National Homeownership Month in June. The Homeownership Alliance and its member organizations dedicate the month of June to highlighting homeownership's vital role in America and the many social and economic benefits that have made homeownership a way of life in the United States.

Fine is a native Missourian and prior to joining the ICBA he served as president and CEO of the Midwest Independent Bank in Jefferson City, Missouri for 20 years. Fine chartered and organized the bankers' bank which serves community banks in three states and has paid its 300 shareholders more than $3 million in dividends since 1987. Fine also owned Mainstreet Bank of Ashland, Missouri, a $25 million-asset community bank in Central Missouri.

Prior to his experience in the banking industry, he was a budget analyst for the state of Missouri. In 1981, former governor and current U.S. Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond appointed him director of the state's tax division. In 2000, Fine was appointed to the Federal Advisory council of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

Previously, Fine served as a member of ICBA's Federal Legislation, Marketing, Bank Operations, Payments and Technology and Long Term Planning committees. He also served as the secretary/treasurer of the Missouri Independent Bankers Association for nearly 20 years.

About HOA
Based in Washington, D.C., the Homeownership Alliance is a coalition of almost 20 organizations committed to ensuring support for the American housing system. Members include Consumer Federation of America, The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers, The Enterprise Foundation, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Habitat for Humanity International, Independent Community Bankers of America, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, National Association of Federal Credit Unions, National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, National Association of Home Builders, National Association of Mortgage Brokers, National Association of Real Estate Brokers, National Association of Realtors®, World Floor Covering Association, National Bankers Association, National Council of La Raza, and National Urban League.